The Pope of Mercy

At his regular Wednesday Audience yesterday, November 30th, Pope Francis finished (for now) his catechesis on the works of mercy addressing the four thousand people assembled in the Pope Paul VI Audience Hall on the final work or mercy, on the last day of the month of the Holy Souls,  burying and praying for the dead.  "Even though the Year of Mercy is over", he said, "let us continue to practice mercy."  He urged us to make prayer for the deceased a regular part of family prayer even  beyond November.  He encouraged comforting the sorrowful,  prayerful visiting of cemeteries and attendance at wakes and funerals as visible acts of this spiritual work of mercy.  Translators gave a summary in at least 10 languages, to make sure everyone understood.
The formal part of the hour-long audience concluded with a papal blessing extended through us to our families and communities (readers, consider yourselves included), and then the Pope spent another hour praying over the sick and handicapped who were wheeled to the front of he hall, and then blessing babies and as many as he could reach as he slowly made his exist up the main aisle.  No hurry, but a sincere attempt to make sure he touched everyone. He is an amazing example of compassion and personal interest in, and care for everyone.  He resembled, as we might imagine Jesus, working his way through the crowds gathered on the hillsides of Galilee.
Let us imitate our Shepherd as best we can, and pray that his health remains strong so that he can continue to teach and show us how to be merciful for many years to come.
Bro. Rene